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- Oct 30, 2007
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I've decided to apply to grad schools to study neuroscience, which has always been my passion even before medical school. Additional incentives include the free time it'll permit me to pursue other interests such as writing, traveling and enjoying the arts. I figured the satisfaction which comes from doing what you love will compensate for the pay if it's lower than that of a typical MD. I also believe that one should enjoy life while young, since I have a funny feeling about enjoying good times people enjoyed when they were ten years younger.
While in med school, my interest in surgery grew. The lifestyle, physician burnout and lack of free time made me jettison the idea of going into a surgical residency. It seems like giving so much up, for just one thing.
Choosing between a good life (research) all through and a few rough years followed by a fantastic time afterwards, with the prospect of retiring early (residency) has been on my mind. Possibly, the huge pay I'll get as an attending, would drive me on and the fact that residents earn better than grad students.
I just don't want to be sucked into the 80 hour grueling work week and acting like a robot, whose fuel of motivation on stressful days and at hours when my other passions scream of neglect, is the thought of earning more than my non-physician friends and the thought of a luxurious autumn.
Any thoughts?
While in med school, my interest in surgery grew. The lifestyle, physician burnout and lack of free time made me jettison the idea of going into a surgical residency. It seems like giving so much up, for just one thing.
Choosing between a good life (research) all through and a few rough years followed by a fantastic time afterwards, with the prospect of retiring early (residency) has been on my mind. Possibly, the huge pay I'll get as an attending, would drive me on and the fact that residents earn better than grad students.
I just don't want to be sucked into the 80 hour grueling work week and acting like a robot, whose fuel of motivation on stressful days and at hours when my other passions scream of neglect, is the thought of earning more than my non-physician friends and the thought of a luxurious autumn.
Any thoughts?